Best time to visit British Columbia
Best time of year to visit British Columbia
The shoulder season from April to early June and September to October is the best time to visit British Columbia for those seeking great deals or solitude during the hikes across Chilliwack Lake Provincial Park and West Coast Trail. Early autumn might be busy and rainy, but the foliage hues during that time are unbelievable, especially when viewed from the Rocky Mountaineer Train. November to March period brings snowy weather, perfect for skiing in at Whistler Blackcomb. Awe-seekers will enjoy spotting Northern Lights and watching an unforgettable storm in Tofino. Summer is the busiest time in British Columbia, gathering both tourists and whales, but there is plenty of space for everyone. The only crowded places are Shambhala Music Festival or Vancouver Island Musicfest.
30 THINGS TO DO IN BRITISH COLUMBIA (AUGUST 21 - AUGUST 30)
Rocky Mountaineer Train
This is more than just a train!
Grizzly Bear Watching
Take a close look at grizzly black bears in the mountains
Shambhala Music Festival
Come and enjoy one of the largest electronic music festivals in Canada
Spirit Bears
Immerse yourself in Canadian wilderness and meet the rare Spirit Bear
Seal Pups
If you have never seen seals before, British Columbia is a great viewing spot. Come in summer for the adorable pups!
Kayaking
Enjoy a perfect day or two on kayak, surrounded by gorgeous nature and an amazing variety of wildlife
Takakkaw Falls & Twin Falls
The most picturesque part of Yoho National Park
Othello Tunnels, Coquihalla Canyon Provincial Park
See the legendary cliffs from 'First Blood', where Rambo was hanging above a raging river
Spotted Lake
Unique beauty and creative work of minerals can be observed on the Spotted Lake during summer
Panorama Ridge Hike
The perfect outlook on amazing Garibaldi Provincial Park
Skookumchuck Narrows
Enjoy one of the greatest natural spectacles of British Columbia
Seafood Season
If you are a seafood fan, late spring is the right time to visit the B.C. and Vancouver restaurants and enjoy a variety of sea fish dishes
Summer Fruits and Veggies
Fresh local food is ready for you! Come and enjoy various food festivals and fresh farmers' markets
Fishing
Salmon is just one of many reasons to try fishing in British Columbia. Come and enjoy world class deep sea fishing together with river fishing
Sky Walking at Mt. Nimbus
Most remote and probably the most beautiful via ferrata walk in Canada
The Great Divide Trail
This great corridor along the Canadian Rocky Mountains divides two of Canada's provinces
Golf
Stunning views and plenty of gorgeous, pristine courses await you
Okanagan Grape Harvest
Explore the province's best and most picturesque wineries
Landslide Lake
One of the best hikes on Vancouver Island
Lake Lovely Water
A stunning alpine lake surrounded by the Tantalus Mountain Range
Chilliwack Lake Provincial Park
Hiking, fishing, canoeing and kayaking destination
Mount Cheam
A beautiful hike in Canadian Cascades with blooming wildflowers along the way
Birdwatching
Relish the birding experience in southern British Columbia
Juan de Fuca Trail
A beautiful Vancouver Island trail featuring Jordan river, Mystic Beach and other attractions
Wedgemount Lake
A turquoise alpine lake in British Columbia, surrounded by Wedge Mountains
Whale Watching
One of the best places in the world to spot killer, gray or humpback whales
Helmcken Falls
The waterfall, accessible all year round, looks especially stunning when frozen into a snow crater
West Coast Trail
Enjoy this stunning coastal trail as you walk in the footsteps of the First Nation ancestors
Floe Lake
Cobalt lake lying at the foot of the picturesque mountains
Mt Albert Edward
Discover beautiful mountains of Strathcona Provincial Park on Vancouver Island
24 THINGS TO DO OUT OF SELECTED DATE RANGE
Celebration of Light
out of rangeDon't miss one of the most spectacular sound and light events in the world!
Salmon Run
out of rangeEvery four years, sometime in October, millions of migrating sockeye salmon paint the Adams River scarlet-red
Vancouver International Jazz Festival
canceledThe largest music festival in British Columbia with 1800 artists and over half a million jazz fans
Cranberry Harvest
out of rangeIn the middle of fall, plain low-growing cranberry vines transform into exuberant red bogs
Bald Eagle Count
out of rangeThousands of bald eagles can be observed near the lakesides. You can even volunteer and take part in the huge counting expedition
Vancouver Island Musicfest
out of rangeCheck out this amazing weekend among gorgeous nature and with great music!
Crankworx Whistler
unconfirmedA massive celebration of elite-level mountain biking
Vancouver Fashion Week
out of rangeSensational selection of designers is awaiting you at the second largest fashion week across North America
Storm Watching in Tofino
out of rangeA natural phenomenon of impressive scale
Thanksgiving
out of rangeBeing mainly a family holiday, Thanksgiving is a great time to taste traditional dishes and observe different customs
Vancouver Christmas Market
out of rangeAn Old World tradition that has become a favourite for locals
Northern Lights
out of rangeChoose British Columbia for a memorable visual adventure
Vancouver Santa Claus Parade
canceledThe largest Christmas Parade in Western Canada
Cherry Blossom in Victoria
out of rangeA quintessential part of spring in the capital of British Columbia
Abbotsford Tulip Festival
out of rangeBreathtaking display of millions of flowers
Skiing & Snowboarding
out of rangeCharming nature, jaw-dropping views, and world class slopes and trails can be found skiing around Vancouver
Game Meats, Pacific Oysters, and Sea Urchin
out of rangeLate autumn and winter bring game meats and tasty seafood on the table. Choose your favourite!
GoodLife Fitness Victoria Marathon
out of rangeGain yourself an unmatchable running experience in all of the West Coast
Halloween in Victoria
out of rangeDiscover wicked, historical, and incredibly beautiful Victoria during its autumn harvest events
Seasons Festival
on holdA mix of music, technology and new media art
Sea Lion Pups
out of rangeSpy out amusing sea lions playing with pups at the coastal areas and islands of British Columbia
Vancouver Folk Music Festival
unconfirmedEnjoy the magical ambience of the festival for the whole family
Halloween in Vancouver
out of rangeOctober is filled with fun and fright in Greater Vancouver
Concord's New Year’s Eve
out of rangeRing in the new year with numerous festive events in Vancouver city center
